Incident Update Airport Fire

Situation Summary

Currently the fire remains within its containment lines. Crews continue making progress, to achieve our one hundred percent containment goal, and it is progressing daily. Infrared drones have detected some isolated smoldering heat areas. They are well inside the fire's perimeter. Crews will be monitoring these areas and cooling them down.

Topography and steep terrain have made access of these areas a challenge. Crews are committed to patrolling and monitoring all divisions of the fire, making sure no additional threats remain. Air resources remain available to provide aerial reconnaissance to crews on the ground. The drones are outfitted with infrared sensors and will continue to be active today, detecting any points of heat that could threaten the containment lines.

Dry weather is expected to this week, combined with low humidity. Fire suppression repair continues along the fire's perimeter. The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is assessing the potential for watershed emergencies that could develop from any change in weather conditions, such as flooding or mudslides. Crew members are working hard to minimize the impacts on the land from the recent activity.

Over the next several days, additional crews will be working in Trabuco Canyon, removing hazardous trees that have been identified by tree experts. These trees have been too severely damaged from the fire and pose a threat if allowed to remain. Again, we would like to remind everyone that a closure order is in effect for the Trabuco Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. Please do not enter the closure area or recreate on any of the firelines constructed for the incident.

Southern California Edison Electric Utility Company continues to replace damaged power poles and lines in the Lake Elsinore area and will be using helicopters to transport and place these poles. Operations will be scheduled during times of minimal highway use.  However, all motorists should be aware that traffic delays can occasionally occur for extended periods. Please plan accordingly.

An interactive map for both counties may be found at: https://bit.ly/3TtJBW9. 

All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted.

Additional fire information can be found here. 

3D Map

Airport Fire Daily Map Products

Airport Fire Photos and Videos

Road Closures

Highway 74 is now open. There is still infrastructure repair occurring through Highway 74 please use caution and slow to a safe speed. Commuters should expect intermittent lengthy delays due to ongoing repair of infrastructure along the highway. Be aware that several roads off of Ortega Highway in or near the fire area in both Riverside and Orange Counties remain closed.

Hard Road Closures

• Trabuco Creek Road
• Maple Springs Road
• North Main Divide Road at Ortega Highway
• Long Canyon Road at Ortega Highway

Forest Closure

The Cleveland National Forest has a temporary closure of the Trabuco Ranger District. This closure prohibits going into or, being upon any National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundaries of the Trabuco Ranger District. The closure will be in effect from September 18, 2024 until September 17, 2025, to provide for public health and safety concerns related to the Airport Fire. To view the Forest Orders and Maps, visit our website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cleveland/alerts-notices/?aid=90727

Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.

Engines

6

Water Tenders

10

Helicopters

3

Dozers

11

Hand Crews

5

Total Personnel

268

Cooperating Agencies